Newhaven Fort

The air-raid experience was scary but amazing! I loved seeing the real weapons but hoped they didn't work anymore! I didn't want anyone letting off a grenade near me.

 By Tiellan 

On a sunny September day, Year 6 took a visit to Newhaven Fort to support their learning on World War 2. The journey down the coast to look at the fort is always impressive and the children were keen to find out more about its history and the role it played in the war.

We started off the day with a very informative talk from the Newhaven Fort team. They told us more about how the fort was developed and covered some key areas of World War Two. We were able to hear an air raid siren first hand  (it was very loud!) and handle actual gas masks and weapons from the war. It was really interesting to listen to and we think we impressed them with some of our knowledge too!

The next part -wow! A real air raid experience! We were taken in groups into a small building that was recreated to look like an air raid shelter. They then locked us in and the sirens began! It really felt like we were in an actual air raid with the walls shaking, the bomb noises overhead and people shouting! It really was a highlight of the day.

An air-raid was always going to be a hard act to follow but the rest of the day had some highlights too. A weapons expert showed us some real WW2 guns - we got to hold grenades and other powerful guns. The guide told us lots of amazing -but scary- facts about the damage they could do. There were also loads of exhibitions to look at and interesting ways to find out more about what life was like for normal people during WW2.

Ms Welsh also took every group on a clifftop walk showing us the why Newhaven Fort had such a good vantage point and how it helped defend our country. We were able to look at the gun turrets and secret underground tunnels to the beach that would help soldiers foil an attack! She even told us spooky stories of the resident Newhaven Fort ghost!

All in all it was a great day and we really enjoyed it. It's amazing to have such an important part of history so close to us!